The Legio Cybernetica: Ancient Branch of the Adeptus Mechanicus
The Legio Cybernetica, a branch of the Adeptus Mechanicus, has been a cornerstone of the Imperium’s military might since its inception. As one of the oldest branches, its history dates back to the earliest days of the Imperium, and possibly even before.
Origins of the Legio Cybernetica
The origins of the Legio Cybernetica can be traced back to the early experiments with artificial life by technosavants. These pioneers not only built vast hosts of automatons but also gifted them with independent thought, a decision that would ultimately prove costly for humanity. The aftermath of this destruction led to the creation of the Crimson Accords of Mars, a sacred charge that forbade the creation of the abominable Silica Animus and pronounced a death sentence on any who remained or attempted to create them.
The Legio Cybernetica in the Imperium
The Legio Cybernetica was assimilated into the armed forces of the Imperium following the Treaty of Olympus, which bound together the domain of the Emperor and Mars. Cohorts were transferred from duties defending Forge Worlds to serve in the frontlines of the Great Crusade. During the Crusade, members of this division served the Emperor, fighting alongside notable figures such as Warmaster Horus and his Luna Wolves.
Corruption and the Horus Heresy
However, the Legion became corrupted by Horus after he fell to Chaos, and many of their units supported his ideal of an Imperium of Chaos. Some Magos saw Horus as a chance to abandon the Crimson Accords and pursue long-forbidden A.I. development. Following the outbreak of the Horus Heresy on Isstvan V, the bases of the corrupt Legio Cybernetica on Mars were immediately assaulted by loyalists.
The Scouring of Entessian
One of the most famous robot-vs-robot actions during the Heresy took place in the Eastern Industrial Sector of Myrdinn City during the Scouring of Entessian. A small force of Traitor robots held off a small force of Firebrand Titans supported by dreadnoughts and robots for almost an hour, causing considerable disruption to the planned flanking sweep.
Reorganization and Loyalty
Following the defeat of the Heresy and the banishment of the Traitor Legions, the dishonored Legio cohorts fled into the Eye of Terror. Since then, the Legio Cybernetica has pledged itself anew to the Imperium, taking binding oaths of loyalty more terrible than any Marine Chapter oaths. To avoid further rebellions, the Legio Cybernetica’s robots are now controlled completely by their masters through sanctified doctrina wafers.
Structure and Organization
The Legio Cybernetica is organized into small independent units known as Cohorts, each consisting of one to three hundred maniples of one to five Robots. Each maniple is a self-contained unit, with a tech-priest giving the Robots their final programming and monitoring their progress during battle. Cohorts rarely take to the field as a whole, instead spreading their forces out to support each unit.
Robot Construction and Armaments
Imperial Robots are nearly identical to Dreadnoughts in parts and construction, with the only true difference being the Robot’s cortex, an artificial computer/brain constructed from synthetic proteins and enzymes. Robots can be equipped with various armaments, including heavy bolters, lascannons, and flamers, which can be rapidly switched out depending on their mission.
Known Types of Imperial Robots
The Legio Cybernetica has produced many Robot designs over the centuries, including the Conqueror Class Robot, Excindio, Harpax, Seeker Robot, Surveillance Robot, Thanatar Class Robot, Crusader Class Robot, Colossus Class Robot, Cataphract Class Robot, Castellan Class Robot, and Lambda Zeta-01 Combat Robot.
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