The Alpharius Heresy

**MooFreaky** · 9th Sep 12 2:30 AM

Just updated. I've fleshed out much. I have all the Primarchs worked out and will add more as I get time.
Things are still not set in stone, so please feel free to comment on what is here. I am more than open to making changes, whether major or minor, if they are of benefit.

Originally Posted by Original Premise

I am posting this here, as well as on other forums, as I want to get the widest views possible. I know there used to be many great fluff peeps here (many of who I rated much higher than those from other forums) but I have no idea who is around now. Either way, it doesn't take much to post here too.

Basically I have always loved thinking about the idea of other Primarchs leading the Heresy and how they would have gone about it. I had been throwing around ideas for a while before being show to the Dornian Heresy stuff here on Bolter & Chainsword (woo it's awesome). The idea of a different type of Heresy is something I think is great, offering vastly different ways of playing out. The one Primarch that stands out, in terms of interest, is Alpharius. Compared to the others I believe his to be of the greatest intrigue because of his situation. Being the last found he doesn't have the relationships to play on, nor hugely effective ways of pulling strings; however, being the strategic mastermind he is, there as so many really unique ways he can get things rolling.

The basic "rule" (aka more guideline where needed) is that I want to keep the same basic timeline and progression of the original 40k. Unlike the Dornian Heresy stuff I am wanting to keep background changes minimal, thus putting Alpharius in the same "world" that Horus was in. The only changes I want to make are from when Alpharius was actually chosen, meaning all the growing up of the Primarchs, their finding and so forth all remains the same, as Alpharius wasn't there to alter any of that.

Overview

Alpha Legion

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Blood Angels

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Dark Angels

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Death Guard

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Emperor’s Children

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Imperial Fists

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Iron Hands

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Iron Warriors

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Night Lords

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Raven Guard

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Salamanders

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Sons of Horus

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Space Wolves

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Thousand Sons

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Ultramarines

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White Scars

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Word Bearers

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World Eaters

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This section is more detailed, but still not put into proper writing or anything. It is just the ideas as they get more fleshed out, as the above it just the skeleton still.

The First Heretic

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Alpharius

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Alpharius was the last of the Emperor’s progeny to be found, placing him at a disadvantage with his brothers. He had neither the relationships the others had developed over decades and centuries, nor the respect that could only be earned through battle. To counterbalance this weakness, Alpharius put great effort into establishing the most comprehensive and effective intelligence network within the Imperium. Spies, informants, information brokers, intelligence officers and much more became entwined in a vast web of knowledge, secrets and intelligence.
Alpharius always knew his enemies, as well as his friends, allowing the most effective methods to achieve goals. Reliable intelligence allowed surgical strikes at key locations; operatives sabotaged enemy positions; assassinations removed key personnel; uprisings were incited. Martial force was but one tool in Alpharius’ arsenal.
It didn’t take long for deals to be struck with powerful Houses of Assassins. Alpharius used his influence and resources to empower the various Houses, who in turn pledged their allegiance to him.

Both Rogal Dorn and Roboute Guilliman looked upon Alpharius’ methods with disapproval. Dorn felt the underhanded methods employed by the Alpha Legion were cowardly and unclean, while Guilliman believed them to be inefficient and out of line with his own methods. Alpharius had heated arguments with both Guilliman and Dorn on numerous occasions, resulting in bitter relationships with both Legions.
The most combustive argument occurred when Guilliman question Alpharius’ approach to war, pointing to his own Legion’s record.

Alpharius took his methods forward, pushing his Legion harder and harder. The Legion took on more powerful enemies in increasingly more dangerous situations, forcing his Legion to grow as warriors and putting greater reliance on their flexibility and ability to incorporate multi-faceted warfare. Splitting his Legion further allowed Alpha Legion to operate in more theatres of war, as less manpower was needed with Alpharius deliberately handicapping his own forces.
Guilliman became ever more irate at Alpharius., enraged at his attitude and conduct, believing Alpharius to be “little more than a disrespectful child”. The meeting ended in blows and Alpharius storming out.
In response, Guilliman declared that all elements of the Imperium loyal to him would no longer work alongside Alpharius, as he considered it too great a waste of time and resources. The Ultramarines had 2 centuries of relationships and history that Alpha Legion couldn’t match, so Guilliman’s ties were extensive. This resulted in numerous elements of Alpharius’ fleet leaving or simply refusing to do their job. With elements of the Legion is entrenched and/or isolated the breakdown proved disastrous. Alpha Legion forces went un-reinforced and lacked resources, resulting in considerable casualties and the loss of much of the work Alpha Legion had done, as they were forced to withdraw toward Imperial space. Enraged by this act Alpharius gathered his Legion, replaced those who had left on Guilliman’s command and again pushed further into uncharted space, laying waste to all those encountered as he and the Alpha Legion took out their anger on any enemy that presented themselves.

Concerned for his brother, Horus could not stand by and allow Alpharius to become dangerous isolated in his relationships. He dispatched Lorgar and the Word Bearers to Alpharius’ side. Horus knew Lorgar had been through similarly tough times, but had overcome such censure and grown into the role expected of him.
Instead Lorgar took Alpharius further away, bonding with the youngest Primarch over their mutual hatred for Guilliman and the Ultramarines. Lorgar subtly encouraged the seeds of anger, resentment and despair within Alpharius, turning him into a bitter and twisted man. Soon Alpharius pledge himself to Chaos, becoming the champion of the Dark Gods.

Horus

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The Secret War

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Alpharius knew he did not have the relationships required to attract more of his brothers to his side, instead he would have to work to create reasons for defections. He saw an opportunity to both breakdown the loyalty of some Legions, while also undermining his most hated brother.

Alpharius dispatched Omegon into the Ork dominated territories beyond the Eastern Fringe. Plunging deep into the Ork Empires, Omegon and a small force of hand picked operatives (both Alpha Legion and human) began the wheels turning on a vast scheme to undermine Guilliman and severe his ties with fellow Legions.
Omegon picked the most dangerous of the Warbosses in the region, Gizbot Skull Krusha, and marked him for ascension to greatness. Omegon engineered wars between the various Tribez with a vast array of schemes. They raided key Ork facilities, leaving behind evidence that the raids were carried out by rivals. The Alpha Legion gave the various weapons and materials they had stolen during raids to other Tribez in exchange for attacking their neighbours. Soon the entire sector was engulfed in Orkish warfare. Assassinations of Warbosses were carried out, ensuring the quick ascension of Gizbot from Warboss into Overlord of the numerous Tribez and Empires. The result was a massive Waaagh! that crashed into the Imperial Eastern Fringe.
In response to the most massive Ork incursion ever seen, Guilliman and his Ultramarines sallied forth, as did forces from the Emperor’s Children, Raven Guard and Alpha Legion. Guilliman dismissed the need for the Alpha Legion forces; however, Horus had been insistent. The Alpha Legion was the only other force with significant numbers in the area and thus they were needed to protect the Imperium. Guilliman grudgingly accepted this.

Omegon used compromised Ultramarine intelligence networks to feed false information to Guilliman. Never enough to arouse suspicion, yet just enough to reduce his efficiency. Guilliman was succeeding in combating the Waaagh!, though he was increasingly less effective in doing so. As the war raged Omegon began feeding more and more intelligence to the Orks, allowing them to respond to Guilliman’s action with great efficiency. Coupled with feeding increasingly erratic intelligence and subtly sabotaging plan, Guilliman soon began to lose control of the war.
Alpharius and Corax arrived, brining with them significant re-enforcements. By the Warmaster’s order Alpharius was to take command as the Ork numbers were beginning to swell, threatening to overrun the Eastern Fringe. Thanks to extensive intelligence and the substantial work of his operatives Alpharius’ command was perfect and the Orks were forced back on every front and soon the Waaagh! had been halted.

Guilliman was unhappy with the methods used, and his attitude toward Alpharius was venomous. However, Corax found the methods brilliant. The Raven Guard’s own attitude of hit and run, precision strikes and flexibility fitted Alpharius’ plans perfectly. Corax held Alpharius with newfound respect, while questioning Guilliman’s attitude toward him.

A crucial battle, aimed at breaking the back of the Waaagh! was set to take place. Corax and his Raven Guard, along with the Emperor’s Children, would draw the Orks into an engagement. While support from the Ultramarines and Alpha Legion would come once underway.
Shortly before the battle commenced, Guilliman received intelligence from a reliable source that Ultramar was to be attacked by a massive force of Orks, who were set to ignore Alpharius’ trap and raze Ultramar instead. Unable to contact Alpharius and with time running out, Guilliman withdrew the vast majority of his forces and moved to protect his worlds.
The attack came, just as Alpharius expected, and the Raven Guard and Emperor’s Children were being overrun. Without Ultramarine support the Imperial forces were being annihilated. With the plan broken down, thanks to Guillimans actions, Alpharius was forced to adjust. The Alpha Legion threw themselves into the battle, taking the majority of the focus, while allowing the Raven Guard and Emperor’s Children to regroup and re-engage. Alpharius’ quick actions saved his brother Legion’s forces, but cost his own dearly. Victory was achieved but Alpha Legion took the most significant casualties.

Meanwhile a minor Ork fleet entered Ultramarine space. It was small enough that the local defenses would easily have dealt with the threat.

Corax was enraged, accusing Guilliman of jealousy and deliberately trying to undermine Alpharius. He insisted Guilliman was more than happy to sacrifice anything, including Corax’s life, to get at Alpharius. Guilliman insisted that he had acted in the best interest of the Imperium, with the intelligence he had, his reaction just justified. Corax laughed at Guilliman’s record over the campaign and said Guilliman cared only for Ultramar, not for the Imperium. A fight broke out between the two, ending with Guilliman unconscious and Corax swearing to never work alongside the Ultramarines again.
Corax’s opinion of Alpharius was absolute, he had seen Alpharius throw himself and his Legion into battle in order to save his allies, willingly taking his own losses for the greater good. Furthermore, his command had been exquisite.

Version 0.1

v0.1

Background
Much is the same as in the original... though a few changes are about.
Horus has been promoted to Warmaster.
Lorgar is the first of the Primarchs to be corrupted after being told to stop worshiping the Emperor.
Alpharius was the last discovered and retains close ties only with Horus.
Horus was the first choice of Chaos; however, he way too loyal to be corrupted, thus a new target was needed (as such Erebus does NOT arrange for Horus to be injured by the anathame)
Alpha Legion has an growing spy network, though it is still young and relatively small, as the Legion has not existed for long.

Alpharius' Fall
After being criticised by Guilliman for his approach to warfare and being told to look to Gulliman's history and successes Alpharius is angered and pushed his Legion harder than ever (exactly as before). Alpharius plans the "perfect" tactical attack Tesstra Prime (exactly as is) and received censure from many of his brothers. Alpharius is embittered by this, particularly Guiliman's chastising, and becomes furious.
This is Chaos' chance. Alpharius is the youngest of the Primarchs and thus holds the least ties to the Emperor. He is eager to prove himself and his Legion's tactical and strategic dominance. He is angry at and holds little care for many of his brothers, particularly Guilliman and Dorn.

Chaos takes this opportunity to influence Alpharius and dispatches an already corrupred Lorgar (and/or Erebus) to truly corrupt him.

Alpharius fall much easier than Horus did, not needing the anathame injury Horus sustained.

First Plans
Alpha Legion invests heavily in growing and developing its network of spies, infiltrators and operatives. Alpharius wants to know everything he can, while also being in a position to alter the information his enemies (and potential enemies) are receiving.

There are two key targets Alpharius has to deal with:
- Horus. As Warmaster and loyal subject to the Emperor he cannot be turned.
- Guilliman. Both to prove Alpharius' superiority, as well as dealing with the greatest tactician & strategist threat that the Imperium possesses.

To deal with Horus, Alpharius arranges for Erebus to sabotage Horus' campaign against the Interex, providing them with the anathme sword with which to injure Horus. Though he cannot be turned, this weakens Horus mind and causes him to become unstable. His action become more erratic, quicker to anger, etc. In this state he takes to listening to Alpharius' guidance more, as Horus believes him to be the greatest General alive.

Guilliman take much more subtly to deal with, as Alpharius wants to use him to gain allies.
Alpharius engages in a massive spy/infiltration campaign against the Ultra Marines. He ensures they receive SLIGHTLY incorrect information from time to time. It is important that the changes are minor, as he does not want to tip anyone off. He also ensures the enemy receive (or stumble upon) information of the Ultramarines, allowing them to perform better against the Ultramarines. It is always ensured that the Ultramarines win; however, they are not as efficient as they should be. This gets noticed over time. Guilliman's stocks drop slightly.

Meanwhile Alpharius sends operative deep into uncontrolled space, where they arrange the ascendancy of one Ork Warboss. He begins to dominate the local tribez and Waaagh!'s toward Imperial space. The operatives ensure all potential rivals fall quickly to this boss, making him incredibly strong. A force consisting of sections of the Ultramarines, Raven Guard, Emperor's Children and Alpha Legion are sent to deal with this Waaagh (as it is now truly huge). Alpharius uses his sway over Horus to be granted command, this is accepted by the Raven Guard and Emperor's Children as Guilliman's recent performances don't inspire them with confidence.

The campaign goes smoothly (Corax and the Raven Guard perfectly complementing Alpha Legion's methods. As does Fulgrim with the beauty and grace of Alpharius' movements and methods) and Alpharius perfectly picks apart the Waaagh! with minimal casualties to any of the Legions. Just prior to a major battle Alpharius ensures Guilliman receives intelligence that proves the upcoming attack will fail miserably. He acts at the last minute, breaking Alpharius' plan. Being false information, there was no danger, instead Guilliman's actions cause massive casualties to the Raven Guard and Emperor's Children in which Corax is almost killed and many of his senior commanders are killed.
Corax and Fulgrim are furious with Guilliman, accusing him of acting to undermine Alpharius and out of jealousy. Gulliman's pride has been strained considerably recently and this pushes him to the limit, he accuses Corax of cowards tactics (being hit and run, infiltration, etc) and the pair almost come to blows. Now Corax holds issue with both Guilliman and Horus.

Fulgrim is similarly disgusted.

This is not in any chronological order, I'm just putting in how I see the other Legions playing out.

Space Wolves vs Thousand Sons
Magnus has has his hand guided by Tzeench, just as in the Horus Heresy series. He is the target of Tzeench and is desired to be the Changer of Ways' new, powerful toy.

With Magnus forseeing Alpharius' fall he attempts to warn the Emperor, as per original. The Wolves are sent to bring them in and Alpharius ensure Horus orders them destroyed.

Alpharius' spy network has ensured the Thousand Sons have prior knowledge of the Space Wolves' secret, the Cure of the Wulfen. With the right push, the Thousand Sons begin working on a spell that will ravage the Wolves, affecting them all with the curse.

The Space Wolves begin their attack and they begin the beat down on the much smaller Thousand Sons. The Thousand Sons situation looks precarious when Ahriman and Co unleash their spell. The Wolves are struck down, their bodies deforming and their minds beginning to be lost, as they turn to mindless, vicious Wulfen. Desperate for aid Russ is opened to any alternate option, and their is one logical caller... Nurgle. Taking the chance to undermine his hated rival, while empowering the forces of Chaos with the deadly Space Wolves, the Grandfather whispers to Russ and offers him salvation. The Wolves will be saved from the curse, they will be stronger than ever and they can strike back against the enemy who would stoop to such disgraceful measures to combat them.

Russ agrees and the curse halts. Many of the Space Wolves are already Wurgen; however, they retain their minds. Their bodies are now tougher than ever, enhanced by their transformation. Those that have become Wurgen are "blessed" further with the diseases and pestilence of their new master. Their physical state makes them immune to the effects themselves, and they become the perfect hosts for these corruptions. Half wolf, half man, disease plagued and angry. Boo ya.

The Wolves fall upon the Thousand Sons and annihilate them. Magnus is broken by Russ and ripped apart by his Wurgen. Only a few Thousand Sons escape. Their loyalty to the Emperor is renewed in the face of the abomination they faced. Their sins forgiven as they were proved right. They go on to individually, or in small groups, join the other loyalist Legions (and eventually Chapters) to train their Librarians and to help empower the psychic users within the Imperium. They are also called upon by Chapters when they need more psychic power to bolster their forces. They are too small to ever form their own force, instead being a supporting role among the others.

The Suspicion of Sanguinius
After the corruption of the Space Wolves, there is great concern about the dangers of mutation. Sanguinius' wings are a visible sign of mutation, something his brothers would come to hold against him. With some well chosen words Lorgar and Alpharius are able to isolate Sanguinius enough. Dorn, who is adamant about doing things the "right" way, being "clean" and "proper" is the most outspoken regarding concerns with Sanguinius.
El'Johnson, concerned with rumblings within his own Legion, is happy to point the finger at Sanguinius also, directing attentions away from his own issues. The Primarchs are divided thanks to Alpharius and Lorgar's dabblings. Alpharius plays on Curze's paranoia and draws him to the conclusion that this mutation is the probable source of his terrible visions. Worked into a rage Curze attacks Sanguinius, beating the Blood Angels Primarch black and blue, ripping the wings from his back and taking mouthfuls of flesh from his body. This action unleashes a rage within Sanguinius, he beats Curze to within inches of his life and awakens the Black Rage within his Legion.
As the other Primarchs discover the brawl they try to pull off the mutilated Sanguinius, but he tries to fight them too.
When Alpharius turns, Khorne uses Sanguinius' rage to ensnare the Blood Angels and take them as his servants.
I will expand on the following.

Angron - too wild and unstable to be trusted. Their methods are easy to read, but their primarch cannot be trusted to not ruin a plan with his "eagerness". As such he doesn't offer much that Alpharius wants. He even sees them as an aspect that can be exploited if he is left to the Emperor.
- Loyal

Corax - After falling out with Guilliman and Horus, as well as believing in Alpharius' methods, they fall.
- Traitor

Curze - easy for Alpharius to manipulate. While he cannot be trusted as he is incredibly unbalanced, he is a useful tool. Alpharius plans to knock of Curze eventually as his instability could be a big danger later on.
- Traitor

Dorn - already hates the Alpha Legion.
- Loyal.

El'Johnson - Unsure. They are shifty as it is.
- Undecided

Ferrus Mannus - Growing reliance and love of the augmated. He and his legion are becoming less human. Others are guided to mistrust him, while he is guided to be mistrustful and resentful of others. He seeks to perfect his body further, becoming obssessed with it. This quest delivers him to Slaanesh.
- Traitor

Fulgrim - Ferrus Mannus turns. Fulgrim remains loyal. At the drop site massicre Fulgrim's legion is on the receiving end. During the battle he squares off with Ferrus and cuts off his friend's head. In the rage and upset caused by this action he opens himself to Chaos and that momentary weakness allows him to be corrupted. He then turns on the remaining loyal Legions that dropped to assault the Traitors.
- Traitor

Guilliman - Unshakable. His confidence is shattered, he is used to attract supporters to the traitors.
- Loyal

Horus - Crazed by the anathame blade. Alpharius and Erebus help ensure he becomes unstuck, though he can never be turned. The opportunity is used to get Alpharius (or a key advisor, when Alpharius is busy leading Alpha Legion) close to Horus and advise him. The Alphas make it look benevolent, so Abbadon and Co, are eager for their help so they can try and keep Horus' condition a secret from his brothers (if word ever got out... disaster).
Horus and the Sons of Horus can never be turned, so before starting the Heresy they arrange a situation where Horus is killed (need a how?)
- Loyal

Kahn - Undecided
- Undecided

Magnus. Loyal. But dead. Very dead. Killed by Russ (or should he be left alive to help balance the sides?)
- Loyal (but dead)

Mortarion - After the fall of Russ, the Death Guard are called on to combat the Wolves. Their dedication to resilience has made them the only ones capable of standing up to the plagued Wolves. This enforces their loyalty as they become great rivals of the Wolves. Though their issues with the Imperium are never solved.
- Loyal

Omegon - Horus' doppleganger. After Alpharius is killed by the Emperor, takes control of the Alpha Legion. Under Tzeench's call he takes half of the Legion into the services of Tzeench (the players, manipulators, etc of the Alpha Legion are perfect for this), while the other half refuse to go (instead being lead by Alpharius' Second in Command). The two factions have a great rivalry, seeing the others as disloyal.

Perturabo - Undecided. Despite his issues with Dorn, finds a reason to remain loyal? Why? Why would the Traitors not pick him up immediately as his Legion has an invaluable skill set? Why would he remain loyal?
- Undecided... Loyal??

Russ. He and his Wolves become the servants of Nurgle. Plague Wolves are their new specialist. Space Wolves can willingly undergo the curse of the Wulfen (though for many it is not willing), where they are bestowed with great pestilence.

Sanguinius - Their Blood Rage is exploited. They become Khorn's Chosen.
- Traitor

Vulkan - Unknown
- Undecided

I shall be posting more; however, I am typing it up and it is taking time... please read and comment

**Dooks Dizzo** · 9th Sep 12 6:29 AM

I like the idea that Alpharius turns traitor and Omegon remains loyal. Which may actually be happening.

But Alpharius wouldn't turn because of anything so petty as being mad at Guilliman. It would be far more likely that he turns because of the discovery of some greater and more terrible truth.

Finding out that the Emperor intends to execute all of the primarchs at the close of the crusade because he has sussed out that some of them may turn on him for example.

Even better, REALLY get inside the head of the Alpha legion.

The Emperor devines that a schism is coming and half of his sons will turn against him but Chaos has clouded his sights as to who exactly it will be. For whatever reason he knows only for sure that the Alpha legion remains loyal. So he contacts Alpharius and asks him to start a civil war to draw out the disloyal elements. Alpharius is to lead them to their ultimate doom.

Insert shit goes bad. (Omegon really does fall for example.)

**Exetus** · 9th Sep 12 9:50 AM

I'm not trying to rain on a parade, but you might want to look to the BolterandChainsword forums. They have a pdf called the Dornian Heresy which has Rogal Dorn as the arch-traitor and a lot of similar themes.http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/i...owtopic=200543

**Dooks Dizzo** · 9th Sep 12 9:52 AM

Exetus, Moo referenced the Dornian Heresy.

**Exetus** · 9th Sep 12 12:12 PM

Dammit Dooks, he did and I don't know how I missed that!
*facepalms in epic failure*

**Claw of Lorek** · 9th Sep 12 1:45 PM

Idk what's the point of editing Already accepted lore. More power to you I guess...

Alpha Legion is a fascinating subject nevertheless. Are they true traitors(a la Black Legion/Iron Warriors) or are they actually defending Imperium in the most unorthodox way possible(by embracing Chaos itself!)? They could be more Extreme version of Legio Damno(maybe they even share their geneseed-LOTS of thoughts to ponder over). Then there is Alpharius/Omegon confusion. All in all, there are lots of topics to cover on Alpha Legion front.

**Gorb** · 9th Sep 12 4:10 PM

This is going to be rougher than I liked; I think the premise has great merit (though I've recently re-read Legion and I love how perfectly-suited as a Loyalist the Alpha Legion are). However, here is my criticism:

How did Lorgar and/or Erebus and/or Kor Phaeron manage to corrupt Alpharius? They are deployed nowhere near each other for the vast majority of the Crusade, as far as I can work out from the novels. Work required here to explain.
Magnus being outright destroyed is dumb, and I don't like it. Same goes with Peturabo being turned just because he's a douche (which he, of course, is). These either need significantly more fleshing-out or reworking, in my opinion.
Fulgrim falling to Chaos is cheap and re-using an already-complex laid-out situation that only happened because Ferrus was loyal. No way would that work out without the Laer blade's long-term effect(s) on Fulgrim.

Everything seems far too catastrophic for the loyal side. I realise there are several Primarches unaccounted for, but this - as it stands - is a superficial reworking based on your likes/dislikes for certain Legions (see: Space Wolves, Peturabo, Magnus) in addition to re-using whatever existing Horus Heresy plot points you consider neat (see: Ferrus Manus and/or Fulgrim). I hope you can expand on this idea and refine it - it has great potential!

Things I like/love: Ferrus Manus' fall/conversion, the Ork Waaagh! setup (all of it), Space Wolf corruption (I just disagree with how the Sons are then handled) and any Legion you have covered that I haven't mentioned.

EDIT@Claw of Lorek: what is the point of any piece of fanfiction? It's fun!

**MooFreaky** · 9th Sep 12 7:32 PM

Gorb. Absolutely, it is just the underlying concepts that have not been restructured as of yet. It is the bare bones of ideas that then need to be added to and refined to bring everything together. That said things like "well they weren't deployed near each other" is irrelevant, because that is adjustable. Alpha Legion and the Word Bearers can be brought together, or even just have Erebus working away from his own Legion. I need to add a lot of depth to Alpharius' fall, it is just the bare bones underliers there at the moment.

Much of the rest isn't based on who I do and do not like, actually. For example, I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE the Thousand Sons (they are one of my favourite Legions); however, after playing with the idea of Alpharius dealing with the Heresy I wondered how he would deal with it. Which part of the follow up do you disagree with? The being forgiven?? That plays on me a bit too and I am thinking of ways to fix that, perhaps removing the warning being sent and instead having the Wolves being sent for another reason (though what could be big enough to warrant the Wolves going there??)

Perturabo doesn't have much consideration at the moment, I am more basing his turn on the fact that he just doesn't get along with his brothers and that most of them think he is a douchebag (and he thinks similarly of them) rather than ME thinking he is a douchebag.

As to Fulgrim, after discussing a bit of it on Bolter and Chainsword I agree with you. I am looking at other possibilities. I do like Ferrus being the fallen, but perhaps Fulgrim goes with him. Perturabo could stay loyal, creating an uneasy situation with Dorn.

The chaotic nature of the loyalists is exactly what I am going for (early on) where they are split up, knocked down and Horus killed off almost immediately. I then plan on doing work on their regrouping and defending themselves. Though I don't want to go over the top.

Other changes in the pipeline are:
Omegon will not doppleganger Horus, instead he will be the one leading the operations to create and manipulate the Waaagh, as well as the campaign to show up Guilliman.

Also Sanguinius has a little added...

Sanguinius
After the corruption of the Space Wolves, there is great concern about the dangers of mutation. Sanguinius' wings are a visible sign of mutation, something his brothers would come to hold against him. With some well chosen words Lorgar and Alpharius are able to isolate Sanguinius enough. Dorn, who is adamant about doing things the "right" way, being "clean" and "proper" is the most outspoken regarding concerns with Sanguinius.
El'Johnson, concerned with rumblings within his own Legion, is happy to point the finger at Sanguinius also, directing attentions away from his own issues. The Primarchs are divided thanks to Alpharius and Lorgar's dabblings. Alpharius plays on Curze's paranoia and draws him to the conclusion that this mutation is the probable source of his terrible visions. Worked into a rage Curze attacks Sanguinius, beating the Blood Angels Primarch black and blue, ripping the wings from his back and taking mouthfuls of flesh from his body. This action unleashes a rage within Sanguinius, he beats Curze to within inches of his life and awakens the Black Rage within his Legion.
As the other Primarchs discover the brawl they try to pull off the mutilated Sanguinius, but he tries to fight them too.
When Alpharius turns, Khorne uses Sanguinius' rage to ensnare the Blood Angels and take them as his servants.

**Gorb** · 10th Sep 12 3:13 AM

What I dislike is Magnus getting ripped limb-from-limb without question. Simply put, he would have been in a far better mindset to combat the Wolves - allow me to extrapolate along your timeline, assuming A Thousand Sons is relatively secure material to source from:

Without the manipulation by Chaos, Magnus is not isolated from his peers. The demonic tricksters that invaded Nikea may actually not to the same degree. The Thousand Sons could be more visibly reinforced against the dangers of the Warp.

(heck I'd like to see the Council of Nikea redone a bit; concessions given to those against the psykers, but the Emperor taking Magnus into his confidence. I've always thought that that was the sensible way to go about things; the Dornian equivalent strikes me as being dumb the other way, compared to the default Heresy being dumb in the way that it facilitates the Heresy)

Certainly, Magnus is not as morose/expecting the divine retribution of the Wolves as he is in A Thousand Sons. He would be ready for their battle - he would be ready for the duel with Russ.

Additionally, intentionally unleashing the Curse of the Wulfen ranks among the most dumb things a Legion of prenaturally-intelligent farseeing psykers could ever, ever do. If Magnus can see Alpharius' fall, he can account for Alpharius' spy network. He can realise the manipulation in such events - it's why Horus couldn't turn him. It's likely why Horus never bothered - Tzeentch had his own designs (and they came very close to not working out).

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The problem with the corruption of Alpharius is not simply the distance of space or the difference in time. The problem is exactly as you have said it - they're a new Legion, they're relatively unexposed to the other Legions and are inherently distrustful of outsiders. Crafting a scenario whereby Phaeron and/or Erebus can corrupt the Legion (perhaps through Lorgar, using the Primarch sibling connection) needs a lot of care and attention simply because it wouldn't work as well as it did for Horus (and even then they needed an anathame). Horus was the magnanimous warrior-diplomat who worked tirelessly to keep his brothers happy or at least informed. He would always have time for someone like Lorgar.

Alpharius? Not so much.

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Additionally, the anathame is likely to kill Horus outright. That is what it was designed to do, in absence of the intervention by the Chaos Gods. So either he gets hit by it and dies, or doesn't get hit by it and Alpharius attempts to outwit him in other ways (though I would love an alternate reality where Horus actually gets the chance to do good. He dies in the Dornian equivalent as well).

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With regards to the loyalists - this is your baby, but remember that after certain loyalist Primarches are beaten or killed outright, you have to somehow balance the Battle for Terra where the corrupted Primarches would pretty much sweep across the loyalist forces unless met by one of their brothers. This is a reversal of the actual Heresy where people like Sanguinius fought Kabanda, Lord of Bloodthirsters. Chaos has all of that on their side, which is why I'm never a fan of killing of loyalist Primarches from the start. They are needed later on, if only to die/be savaged at the hands of named Greater Daemons or fallen Primarches.

**MooFreaky** · 10th Sep 12 11:36 PM

What I dislike is Magnus getting ripped limb-from-limb without question. Simply put, he would have been in a far better mindset to combat the Wolves - allow me to extrapolate along your timeline, assuming A Thousand Sons is relatively secure material to source from:

Without the manipulation by Chaos, Magnus is not isolated from his peers. The demonic tricksters that invaded Nikea may actually not to the same degree. The Thousand Sons could be more visibly reinforced against the dangers of the Warp.

Magnus was manipulated by Chaos still. He was the target of Tzeench (just as in a Thousand Sons) and lead down the path he was now. It was only the intervention of Nurgle that stopped Magnus ending up the same as previously.
So Magnus is expecting the retribution as he just destroyed the Emperor's project and endangered Terra itself by allowing daemonic corruption of the webway project. He can see that he isn't as in control and still has the same feelings as in a Thousand Sons, wanting to take his punishment.
Magnus surviving though is definitely something I am considering... unaware that he was so close to becoming Tzeench's servant.

I do like the idea about the concessions regarding Nikea, that could be a good source for why Magnus and his Legion were allowed back into the fold after such an action. The concessions can allow for the use of psykers, but with limitations. Magnus still broke these rules vastly with his psychic warning and destroyed the webway project, allowed the daemonic infestation etc. However, given what happened with the Wolves the urgency of his message can be understood as he is proven correct in his fears that Chaos was seeking to corrupt the Primarchs.
When Alpharius does switch sides he is vindicated (though still set to face punishment for his action) and allowed to fight for Terra.

Upon the conclusion of the Heresy, he places the Emperor within the Golden Throne and takes his seat atop it. He is then permanently imprisoned as he keeps the Astrominican going (instead of the Emperor) and helps maintains the Emperor's life force. Thoughts?

Releasing the Wulfen Curse isn't unintelligent at all, IMO. It is turning this dangerous legion into mindless beasts. Yes they are still a danger as they are uncontrolled; however, that is easier for the Thousand Sons to deal with as they don't have the leadership and strategic benefits that the Wolves had. Plus they have downtime during their transformation, allowing many to be cut down. An enemy that throws themselves blindly against a magic backed Thousand Sons line would be easy pickings. Especially as in their beastial state they would cut down their own Imperial allies, as well as become targets of their allies.

Tzeench still has his own designs, but Nurgle's action stop that occurring (we are told in Chaos fluff that Nurgle often foils Tzeench's schemes, in that they are natural rivals of one another). Alpharius just wanted the two Legions to wipe each other out, instead one is all but annihilated and the other switches to his allegiance (or will do, once he declares himself at a later date). So a win-win plan turns into a bigger win than was ever expected.

Regarding Lorgar/Erebus and Alpharius...
You are correct and it is an area that needs fleshing out. Remember, this is just the basic skeleton and still needs to be added to. What areas specifically need working on are helped in being determined with this type of feedback. I have been thinking about this and have come up with an idea. Basically we know that in the "real" 40k fluff Alpharius has issues with Guilliman and Dorn. Play this up further and increase hostilities. After being reprimanded twice by Guilliman, Alpharius continues to do his own thing and becomes more extreme with it. This creates increased hostility with both Dorn and Guilliman, creating a very hateful relationship and driving Alpharius away. The fact that none of the other Primarchs defend him makes him incredibly sour, he sees them as suckups to both Dorn and Guilliman who are holding influence that they don't deserve as they aren't bigger or better than the others. Where do they get off making such claims?

Horus, in his wisdom, suggests that Lorgar work with Alpharius. Lorgar had similar issues in the past after he became too pious toward the Emperor. He had great issues with Guilliman and struggled with understanding his place in the Imperium. Yet he had since become exemplary in his conduct and way of waging war. All issues appeared resolved. Horus believed Lorgar could offer advice to the rebellious and unhappy Alpharius, bringing him back into the fold. Instead Lorgar took Alpharius further away, eventually leading to his corruption. This works well for Lorgar too as he HATES Guilliman and is only too happy to find common ground on this fact (something Alpharius would find likable about Lorgar too).

Regarding the Anathame...
Why? There is no reason this blade has to kill Horus outright. It is an alternate universe and not everything must be identical. The blade wounds Horus terribly. It's corrupted nature twists Horus and allows the Gods to play with his mind. They cannot turn him, but they drive him mad. When he heals, the mental issues remain. They improve over time and he will recover, but it gives Alpharius a window in which to get himself together, to become the seemingly benevolent brother who helps hide Horus' condition (the Sons of Horus would absolutely fear Guilliman or Dorn getting wind of the problem, and trust Alpharius would never run to those two) while instead using it to manipulate Horus' hand to achieving Alpharius' end.

Regarding the loyal Primarchs, I have considered this. As I've said it is only early ideas with who goes where and how they end up. I really want to emphasise that Alpharius is less about completely destroying Loyalist assets and instead creating vast confusion and hitting key targets. He wouldn't be able to round up the masses of mortal allies that Horus did, nor wipe out weapons, troops etc to the same degree. Instead I want him to have the Primarchs mistrustful of each other, or having killed a few of them (while generally leaving the Legions unscathed - excepting the Thousand Sons, who are all but wiped out). Forces still remain, but leadership is hit hard.
That said, I want to avoid too many deaths. I am coming around on Magnus' death (I like the concept I mentioned earlier in this post) but I want the initial strike to take casualties in key places or tear the Primarch's relationships apart.
Then the survival of the Loyalist forces is a a the efforts of the few, busting themselves to keep everything together. Players like Dorn (and Perurabo??? Could be interesting the two of them together) desperately holding many forces together (as other leaders are compromised, assassinated or destroyed in surgical strikes) while others struggle to overcome their own personal daemons (ala Guilliman... who I find incredibly boring, so would actually enjoy having some personal issues to get over).

**Lord Abaddon** · 11th Sep 12 4:48 PM

The whole Russ consorting with Gods scenario sounds pretty stretched to be honest given his track record of not just despising but actively opposing any hint of sorcery in any scenario.
IMO a more plausible option would be his subordinates doing so against his wishes due to ignorance (probably Terra-born Wolf officers which would be less, well, indoctrinated into the whole anti-sorcery thing and be more pragmatic - or naive about it) picking between Khorne and Nurgle (i.e. "let me teach you to use your gift" and "let me "heal" you").
Russ would probably make a beeline for the remains of his legion to either justify himself to his brothers or destroy the corrupted, ending up bleeding his loyal portion of his Legion white and shattering the corrupted into small warbands.

**MooFreaky** · 11th Sep 12 6:28 PM

He's not consorting with sorcery, as such. He is offered a way to stop sorcery. The voice that, when you are in ungodly amounts of pain, says "I hate sorcery too and can offer you a way to stop it while also saving you and your men", is that not a pretty juicy offer?
Especially as Russ doesn't despise sorcery completely, he just wants it tempered. Russ and his wolves know and actively state that such power is necessary (and actively use it themselves), as long as it is within limitations and used for essential purposes.

The goal I am aiming for is...
Russ is desperate. Not only to save himself but because he is being destroyed by what he loathes most, excessive magical usage (and absolutely humiliated, his Legion made to look like fools and their secret exposed. He doesn't know if they will be expunged for having hidden this secret. It is a clear mutation and something the Wolves have hidden since forever). Can even infer that many of their trials on Fenris are a basis for Nurgle's service... they are constantly testing the constitutional limitations, pushing their bodies to the extreme in terms of what they can sustain and believe they can push through any form of pain barrier put up against them. They are already exposed to the same beliefs as Nurgle.

That said, I am just trying to express where I was coming from and am definitely not against making changes. I'll have a look and think and if we can throw around some ideas and get a good basis for it would definitely be something i'd consider.

**Ewokz** · 24th Sep 12 2:55 PM

Reading through the latest HH book, they actually raise the idea of a different sort of heresy, they mention how one lead by the Alpha Legion or The Night Lords would result in the enemy slowly draining the Imperium of resources until they won out. Is an interesting idea for sure.

As for Russ, it seems more logical for his legion to fall to Khorne in a similar manner to the blood angels, they do reference that those in the black rage are akin to those wolves that have fallen to the curse of the wulfen. Which makes them little more than Khorne followers, given the right situation. I just can't see the Legion killers falling to anything but the savagery they contain within themselves, loyal hound turned savage beast speaks more of Khorne than Nurgle.

**MooFreaky** · 25th Sep 12 9:54 AM

However, Nurgle would look to betray Tzeench.
Also, the Wolves pride themselves on survivability and being able to take any pain that can be dished out. Whether it is the harshest winters on Fenris, or shrugging off injuries that should be deadly (or, at least, serious).
Russ and his bunch are more than mindless killers, they bring death not just rage and mindlessness. They want to be feared and for their enemies to know the inevitability of their doom. To cower in fear and pray for a miracle. That is very Nurgle to me.

**Lord Abaddon** · 26th Sep 12 3:15 AM

OK having read Prospero Burns I'm about 95% sure that there's no way Russ would consort with "maleficarum" being the Emperor's faithful dogs and executioners.
They literally don't believe the Warp is the source of the psychic powers in their legion and their policy with sorcery is "kill, don't as questions" and I'd sooner see them commit suicide by crusade than consorting with anything.
If you're going for the they did it out of despair thing I'd like to note that

Spoiler

Only plausible way I see is taking the easy way out like with Horus, having him in a coma, malevolent whispers, seething ambition, feeling ignored, ignoring logic and flying off into Nurgle's arms because because.

**MooFreaky** · 26th Sep 12 6:21 AM

Remember it's just the basic outline.

I intend to exploit the idea that it's not Maleficarum. Nurgle doesn't use magics or psykers (well... minimally, and will claim not to), and wants to see the use of such things destroyed. An offering for the ability to bring death to all those that use such twisted tools to weave fates that are un-natural and to avoid the inevitable. Add to that the fact the Wolves do use psykers themselves (and freely admit that they use them - with the key point being only used in a controlled fashion), Russ could be held to believe that he would never be out of control. That he is only doing what is needed to address the bigger danger, the clear use of magic that is even worse than expected. Even seeing it as a sign of loyalty to the Imperium, that he will do whatever is necessary to wipe out the vile magic user that will be the doom of them all.

The very idea of being crushed by the magic that he so reviles, proving that he is not as capable of dealing with it as he believed. Believing that if the Wolves could be crushed so easily that they will deal massive damage, potentially fatal damage, to the Imperium. The whispers of a magic hater could be powerful.
Given that other Primarchs fell for much less in the original fluff (most is only fleshed out in the recent books).

Also, the time Russ has to consider the option can be infinite. During his agony of the Wulfen taking over, he can be affected by Nurgle and time can basically stand still while all the thoughts and discussions and offers of Nurgle are considered. Nurgle can walk him through it all over vast time, while it only takes a moment

**Zallis** · 26th Sep 12 9:35 AM

Nurgle doesn't use magics or psykers (well... minimally, and will claim not to)

Khorne does too, though. Also, from what lore is available of the relationship between the chaos gods, it seems Nurgle messes up Tzeentch's plans more as a matter of natural course, rather than any particular antipathy. He might get a laugh or two out of messing with Tzeentch, but that's more likely a result of his jovial nature than malicious intent. Khorne on the other hand actively hates everyone.

Also, Khorne offers protection from sorcery through talismans and martial zeal, rather than zombification. Given that the space wolves already hold onto talismans and fetishes as spiritual protection, and value their fierce reputation, it seems more likely they'd fall to Khorne than Nurgle. Khorne would offer destruction of the enemy, and limited protection from sorcery as a side effect, rather than limited protection from everything, and the destruction of the enemy as a side effect.

**Gorb** · 26th Sep 12 9:39 AM

Um, Nurgle uses the shit outta psykers and nefarious magicks.

Plague of Undeath, anyone (as a major, ongoing, fluff example)? Minor Psychic Power List from 3.5ed as a rules example?

**Lord Abaddon** · 26th Sep 12 12:18 PM

I'll take a wild swing here and even go as far as to suggest Tzeench.
He's the one Magnus talked to in order to fix his legion's curse and the weaver of vast plans that at times conflict each other.
You know when in Prospero Burns

Spoiler

Given that other Primarchs fell for much less in the original fluff (most is only fleshed out in the recent books).

Even in the current state most of the stories honestly don't seem really waterproof, Horus being among the top offenders. Only Lorgar really had me sold as his emotional frenzy seems the only one that's completely justified while most other primarchs seem like spoiled brats who feel offended and threatened even by the slightest of actions and missteps.

**Ewokz** · 15th Oct 12 12:19 AM

I really didn't buy Horus's or in fact the Luna wolves fall. One minute they're avoiding violence through as many means as possible, the next Horus is hanging corpses from the bridge and murdering worlds? I get that the legion were loyal but even then there is a limit to that. Not only that but can you really think of a reason for Horus to turn, or many of his fellow Primarchs for that matter? Under the Emperor they get basically everything they could ever desire, Horus killing his best friend Sanginious when all he liked to do was chat with him makes the least sense.

I guess when you get down to it, chaos breaking his mind with the true potential he could achieve with the warp is probably to blame. But really what more could he want, seriously?

**Lord Abaddon** · 17th Oct 12 8:55 AM

Spoiler

**Ewokz** · 17th Oct 12 1:13 PM

Pretty good point, they didn't really ever provide context for the vision, and even with them later doing so he should have realized that the guys giving him such a vision had motives of their own. Every Primarch so far seems to just accept visions given to them as 100% facts, regardless of context of the events shown or those showing them.

**MooFreaky** · 18th Oct 12 9:10 PM

I still will be adding to this (with some reasonably considerable changes or expansions of explanations) - I just been working 16 hour days recently.

Ewokz, I agree that the books make some of the Primarchs seem a bit silly with their falls; however, I believe that it is largely because the books start so late in the crusade. You don't get to see all the little factors that build up over time. You don't really get to see why Horus becomes jealous of the Emperor and so forth. You don't get to see the really close relationships that they build with one another, which is one of the biggest reasons that many fall.

For example, Mortarion, falls largely because of his friendship with Horus. He willingly turns because he is closer to Horus and has issues with other aspects of the Imperium (remember, that both Sanguinius and Dorn had expressed concern at Mortarion's loyalty well before the Heresy took place as he was too close to Horus).

That said I find that several of the falls in the book are solid. Fulgrim and Mortarion I thought were very good. Angron didn't need too much explaining, because well he is pretty insane and has pre-existing issues with the Emperor. It did suffer from not having the past explained in more depth.
Though I must say I have liked the sections with Kharn, though he hasn't had enough air time.

**MooFreaky** · 29th Oct 12 11:02 PM

Ahoy, I have made a significant update. I have update to Version 0.2.
I have updated the OP. I will add future posts into the OP, but want to post what changes have been made in individual posts so that peeps can keep track of updates easier.

Spoiler

The First Heretic

Lorgar spread faith and worship of the Emperor as a divine being, going against his father’s vision of uniting the galaxy in secular truth. As punishment for this great sin the Emperor made Lorgar and the Word Bearers Legion watch as Roboute Guilliman raze the city of Monarchia (the capital of Khur, a planet of significance to the Word Bearers) as punishment for his actions.

Lorgar was lost without his faith, unable to know what path to follow when all his beliefs had been shattered. In this moment of uncertainty Lorgar was vulnerable to the whispers of Chaos. Lorgar, encouraged by his most trusted, and already corrupt, advisors Erebus and Kor Phaeron fell into the service of the Chaos Gods.

Alpharius

Alpharius was the last of the Emperor’s progeny to be found, placing him at a disadvantage with his brothers. He had neither the relationships the others had developed over decades and centuries, nor the respect that could only be earned through battle. To counterbalance this weakness, Alpharius put great effort into establishing the most comprehensive and effective intelligence network within the Imperium. Spies, informants, information brokers, intelligence officers and much more became entwined in a vast web of knowledge, secrets and intelligence.
Alpharius always knew his enemies, as well as his friends, allowing the most effective methods to achieve goals. Reliable intelligence allowed surgical strikes at key locations; operatives sabotaged enemy positions; assassinations removed key personnel; uprisings were incited. Martial force was but one tool in Alpharius’ arsenal.
It didn’t take long for deals to be struck with powerful Houses of Assassins. Alpharius used his influence and resources to empower the various Houses, who in turn pledged their allegiance to him.

Both Rogal Dorn and Roboute Guilliman looked upon Alpharius’ methods with disapproval. Dorn felt the underhanded methods employed by the Alpha Legion were cowardly and unclean, while Guilliman believed them to be inefficient and out of line with his own methods. Alpharius had heated arguments with both Guilliman and Dorn on numerous occasions, resulting in bitter relationships with both Legions.
The most combustive argument occurred when Guilliman question Alpharius’ approach to war, pointing to his own Legion’s record.

Alpharius took his methods forward, pushing his Legion harder and harder. The Legion took on more powerful enemies in increasingly more dangerous situations, forcing his Legion to grow as warriors and putting greater reliance on their flexibility and ability to incorporate multi-faceted warfare. Splitting his Legion further allowed Alpha Legion to operate in more theatres of war, as less manpower was needed with Alpharius deliberately handicapping his own forces.
Guilliman became ever more irate at Alpharius., enraged at his attitude and conduct, believing Alpharius to be “little more than a disrespectful child”. The meeting ended in blows and Alpharius storming out.
In response, Guilliman declared that all elements of the Imperium loyal to him would no longer work alongside Alpharius, as he considered it too great a waste of time and resources. The Ultramarines had 2 centuries of relationships and history that Alpha Legion couldn’t match, so Guilliman’s ties were extensive. This resulted in numerous elements of Alpharius’ fleet leaving or simply refusing to do their job. With elements of the Legion is entrenched and/or isolated the breakdown proved disastrous. Alpha Legion forces went un-reinforced and lacked resources, resulting in considerable casualties and the loss of much of the work Alpha Legion had done, as they were forced to withdraw toward Imperial space. Enraged by this act Alpharius gathered his Legion, replaced those who had left on Guilliman’s command and again pushed further into uncharted space, laying waste to all those encountered as he and the Alpha Legion took out their anger on any enemy that presented themselves.

Concerned for his brother, Horus could not stand by and allow Alpharius to become dangerous isolated in his relationships. He dispatched Lorgar and the Word Bearers to Alpharius’ side. Horus knew Lorgar had been through similarly tough times, but had overcome such censure and grown into the role expected of him.
Instead Lorgar took Alpharius further away, bonding with the youngest Primarch over their mutual hatred for Guilliman and the Ultramarines. Lorgar subtly encouraged the seeds of anger, resentment and despair within Alpharius, turning him into a bitter and twisted man. Soon Alpharius pledge himself to Chaos, becoming the champion of the Dark Gods.

Horus

Horus could never be turned, Alpharius knew this. Horus had been the prime target of Chaos; however, his loyalty and devotedness was unassailable. With this failure Chaos had turned to the master strategist, one whose schemes and strategies could achieve what Horus would have done with charisma and power.
Now it was left for Alpharius to remove the threat Horus provided.
Dispatching Erebus to Horus’ fleet, it was ensured that a vile blade of Chaos, the Anathame, fell into the hands of Horus’ enemies. Horus was positioned so that an ambush was sprung and the Warmaster struck by the tainted blade.
Alpharius’ plan did not succeed and Horus survived. However, the taint of Chaos, warped Horus’ mind, driving him mad. The Sons of Horus could not risk word of Horus’ condition getting out, as others would surely claim the Warmaster’s title. Horus would not be trusted again.
On Lorgar’s advice Alpharius was called. Alpharius was the only Primarch that could be trusted. He possessed ties only with Horus and he definitely would not talk to the Primarch’s whose opinions were most feared, Dorn and Guilliman. Furthermore, Alpharius possessed the strategic decision making required for such decisions to be passed of as Horus’. For the time being, Alpharius would make decisions in Horus’ stead, allowing Hours time to recover.

The Secret War

Alpharius knew he did not have the relationships required to attract more of his brothers to his side, instead he would have to work to create reasons for defections. He saw an opportunity to both breakdown the loyalty of some Legions, while also undermining his most hated brother.

Alpharius dispatched Omegon into the Ork dominated territories beyond the Eastern Fringe. Plunging deep into the Ork Empires, Omegon and a small force of hand picked operatives (both Alpha Legion and human) began the wheels turning on a vast scheme to undermine Guilliman and severe his ties with fellow Legions.
Omegon picked the most dangerous of the Warbosses in the region, Gizbot Skull Krusha, and marked him for ascension to greatness. Omegon engineered wars between the various Tribez with a vast array of schemes. They raided key Ork facilities, leaving behind evidence that the raids were carried out by rivals. The Alpha Legion gave the various weapons and materials they had stolen during raids to other Tribez in exchange for attacking their neighbours. Soon the entire sector was engulfed in Orkish warfare. Assassinations of Warbosses were carried out, ensuring the quick ascension of Gizbot from Warboss into Overlord of the numerous Tribez and Empires. The result was a massive Waaagh! that crashed into the Imperial Eastern Fringe.
In response to the most massive Ork incursion ever seen, Guilliman and his Ultramarines sallied forth, as did forces from the Emperor’s Children, Raven Guard and Alpha Legion. Guilliman dismissed the need for the Alpha Legion forces; however, Horus had been insistent. The Alpha Legion was the only other force with significant numbers in the area and thus they were needed to protect the Imperium. Guilliman grudgingly accepted this.

Omegon used compromised Ultramarine intelligence networks to feed false information to Guilliman. Never enough to arouse suspicion, yet just enough to reduce his efficiency. Guilliman was succeeding in combating the Waaagh!, though he was increasingly less effective in doing so. As the war raged Omegon began feeding more and more intelligence to the Orks, allowing them to respond to Guilliman’s action with great efficiency. Coupled with feeding increasingly erratic intelligence and subtly sabotaging plan, Guilliman soon began to lose control of the war.
Alpharius and Corax arrived, brining with them significant re-enforcements. By the Warmaster’s order Alpharius was to take command as the Ork numbers were beginning to swell, threatening to overrun the Eastern Fringe. Thanks to extensive intelligence and the substantial work of his operatives Alpharius’ command was perfect and the Orks were forced back on every front and soon the Waaagh! had been halted.

Guilliman was unhappy with the methods used, and his attitude toward Alpharius was venomous. However, Corax found the methods brilliant. The Raven Guard’s own attitude of hit and run, precision strikes and flexibility fitted Alpharius’ plans perfectly. Corax held Alpharius with newfound respect, while questioning Guilliman’s attitude toward him.

A crucial battle, aimed at breaking the back of the Waaagh! was set to take place. Corax and his Raven Guard, along with the Emperor’s Children, would draw the Orks into an engagement. While support from the Ultramarines and Alpha Legion would come once underway.
Shortly before the battle commenced, Guilliman received intelligence from a reliable source that Ultramar was to be attacked by a massive force of Orks, who were set to ignore Alpharius’ trap and raze Ultramar instead. Unable to contact Alpharius and with time running out, Guilliman withdrew the vast majority of his forces and moved to protect his worlds.
The attack came, just as Alpharius expected, and the Raven Guard and Emperor’s Children were being overrun. Without Ultramarine support the Imperial forces were being annihilated. With the plan broken down, thanks to Guillimans actions, Alpharius was forced to adjust. The Alpha Legion threw themselves into the battle, taking the majority of the focus, while allowing the Raven Guard and Emperor’s Children to regroup and re-engage. Alpharius’ quick actions saved his brother Legion’s forces, but cost his own dearly. Victory was achieved but Alpha Legion took the most significant casualties.

Meanwhile a minor Ork fleet entered Ultramarine space. It was small enough that the local defenses would easily have dealt with the threat.

Corax was enraged, accusing Guilliman of jealousy and deliberately trying to undermine Alpharius. He insisted Guilliman was more than happy to sacrifice anything, including Corax’s life, to get at Alpharius. Guilliman insisted that he had acted in the best interest of the Imperium, with the intelligence he had, his reaction just justified. Corax laughed at Guilliman’s record over the campaign and said Guilliman cared only for Ultramar, not for the Imperium. A fight broke out between the two, ending with Guilliman unconscious and Corax swearing to never work alongside the Ultramarines again.
Corax’s opinion of Alpharius was absolute, he had seen Alpharius throw himself and his Legion into battle in order to save his allies, willingly taking his own losses for the greater good. Furthermore, his command had been exquisite.

The Cyclops and the Wolf

Coming Soon...

**MooFreaky** · 1st Nov 12 6:21 AM

Major update.
Check the OP... I now have a major overview of all 18 Legions. It's only key points, and nothing is set.
Hopefully this will give people more areas they can comment on. Any ways to expand it, concerns, likes, bitter hates, sensual loves... whatever. Happy to hear it.

If anyone has feedback please add it. I know there are lurkers, I can see the view count climbing!!!

**Lord Abaddon** · 1st Nov 12 8:47 AM

- As punishment, Magnus willingly took his place atop the Golden Throne. Forever protecting the remains of the Emperor and allowing the Astronomican to be directed through him (removing the need for the Choir).

This puts the Emperor out of the picture? Dead, in stasis, recovering or somewhere in between?

**MooFreaky** · 1st Nov 12 4:44 PM

The Emperor is within the Golden Throne, with Magnis being atop it. It is his punishment for destroying the Emperor's plan, consorting with Chaos and so forth, while also being his redemption. He will preserve the Emperor's remains and allow the Emperor's power to be channeled through him, creating the Astonomican. Thus removing the need for the thousands sacrificed each day to keep it going.

**Ewokz** · 1st Nov 12 4:55 PM

When the demand for souls went up, what was the effect on magnus in this parallel-verse? Is he being slowly consumed by the Emperor or are the two acting almost like friends supporting one another.

The Alpharius Heresy

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